Effect of aluminum-fluoride interactions on overall cognitive function of aluminum plant workers / 环境与职业医学

Background Aluminum and fluoride are neurotoxic, and aluminum exposure alone is closely related to the overall cognitive function of operational workers. It is unclear about the effect of aluminum and fluoride interactions on cognitive function. Objective To evaluate a potential interaction effect of blood aluminum and urinary fluoride on the overall cognitive function of workers working in an aluminum plant. Methods Using cluster sampling, 230 workers in the electrolysis workshop of an aluminum group company in Shanxi Province were selected, and plasma aluminum concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and urinary fluoride by ion-selective electrode. The study participants were divided into a low blood aluminum group and a high blood aluminum group according to the median (M) of blood aluminum concentration, and a low urinary fluoride group and a high urinary fluoride group by a predetermined cutoff point (2.160 mg·L−1). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Beijing (MoCA-BJ) was used to assess overall cognitive function of the workers. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between blood aluminum, urinary fluoride, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), including multiplicative interaction analysis and correlation analysis; R language was used to fit an additive interaction model of blood aluminum and urinary fluoride on MCI and to calculate synergy index (S), relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), and attributable proportion due to interaction (API). Results Among the 230 operational workers, the median blood aluminum concentration (P25, P75) was 40.11 (25.16, 58.89) µg·L−1, and there were 104 cases of abnormal urinary fluoride, with an abnormality rate of 45.2%. There was a multiplicative interaction (OR=7.783, 95%CI: 1.377, 43.991) and no additive interaction (RERI=0.030, 95%CI: −0.498, 0.559; API=0.018, 95%CI: −0.279, 0.316; S=1.049, 95%CI: 0.519, 2.118) for the effect between blood aluminum and urinary fluoride on overall cognitive function of the workers. The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of MCI was 12.105 (95%CI: 2.802, 52.287) times higher in workers with both high blood aluminum and high urinary fluoride than in those with low blood aluminum and low urinary fluoride, after adjusting for selected influencing factors. Conclusion Occupational exposure related high blood aluminum and high urinary fluoride are risk factors for cognitive dysfunction, and the coexistence of both indicators increases the risk of MCI in workers with occupational aluminum exposure, with a multiplicative interaction.

Effect of occupational aluminum exposure on the visuospatialconstruction ability / 预防医学

Objective@#To examine the correlation between visuospatial construction ability and occupational aluminum exposure among aluminum workers, so as to provide the evidence for early protection of occupational injury among aluminum workers.@*Methods@#A total of 442 workers in an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province were selected using a cluster sampling method, and participants' demographic features and occupational history were collected. The blood aluminum concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the visuospatial construction ability was evaluated with the Cube Copying Test (CCT) of the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The correlation between the visuospatial construction ability and blood aluminum concentration was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model.@*Results@#A total of 442 aluminum workers were enrolled, and all participants were male, with a mean age of (43.40±7.31) years, labor service duration of (23.64±8.35) years and a mean blood aluminum concentration of 33.87 µg/L. Of all participants, there were 206 workers with impaired visuospatial construction ability (46.61%), including 127 workers with blood aluminum concentrations of >33.87 µg/L (61.65%); 190 workers with educational duration of 6 to 9 years (92.23%), 118 electrolytic aluminum workers (57.28%), 114 workers with work shifts (55.34%), and 123 workers with a very good sleep quality (59.71%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that blood aluminum concentrations of >33.87 µg/L (OR=2.490, 95%CI: 1.531-4.052), educational duration of 6 years or more (OR: 0.075-0.246, 95%CI: 0.015-0.622), work type as a non-electrolytic aluminum worker (OR=0.838, 95%CI: 0.425-0.987), work shift (OR=1.179, 95%CI: 1.078-1.435) and a very good sleep quality (OR=0.104, 95%CI: 0.012-0.896) significantly correlated with impaired visuospatial construction ability among aluminum worker.@*Conclusion@#Impaired visuospatial construction ability correlates with occupational aluminum exposure among aluminum workers.

Effects of pretreatment with nicorandil on PDCD4/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway in coronary microembolization / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the role of nicorandil pretreatment on protecting myocardium after coronary microembolization (CME) and on the PDCD4/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway in miniature pigs. Methods Fifteen Bama miniature pigs were randomly(random number) divided into the sham operation group (sham group), microembolization group (CME group) and CME plus nicorandil group, with 5 pigs in each group. The CME model was constructed by injecting polyethylene microspheres via microcatheter into the left anterior descending artery, and pigs in the sham group were injected with the same amount of saline. Pigs in the CME plus nicorandil group were injected intravenously with nicorandil (150 μg/kg) via ear vein 30 min before CME. Cardiac function indexes were measured using cardiac ultrasonography. The expression of PDCD4 and TNF-α mRNA in myocardium were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the protein expression of PDCD4 and TNF-α in myocardium were detected by Western blotting. NF-κB activation was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results (1) Cardiac function was significantly lower and the level of serum cTnI was significantly higher in the CME group compared with the sham group. CME reduced myocardial systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation. The CME plus nicorandil group showed improved CME-induced cardiac function and reduced serum cTnI level when compared with the CME Group (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the CME group, the CME plus nicorandil group showed lower PDCD4 and TNF-α expression and NF-κB activity as well as improved cardiac function (P < 0.05). Conclusions The pretreatment of nicorandil effectively reduced the myocardial damage caused by CME, mainly through inhibiting the PDCD4/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway in cardiomyocytes.

Protective effects of TAK-242 against coronary microembolization in rat associated with involvement of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the role of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway under the action of TAK-242 in the cardiomyocyte apoptosis after coronary micro-embolism (CME) in rats.Methods Fortyfive rats were randomized (random number) into three groups:sham operation,CME and CME plus TAK242 groups (n =15 per group).CME was induced by injecting polyethylene microspheres (42 μm) into the left ventricle except the sham group.CME plus TAK-242 group was treated with TAK-242 (2 mg/kg) via the tail vein of mice 30 min before CME modeling.Cardiac function was evaluated 6 h after operation.Tissue biopsy was stained with HBFP to measure the size of infarction area.TUNEL assay was used to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Western blot and qPCR were used to evaluate the protein levels and mRNA expressions of TLR4,NF-κB p65 and cleaved caspase-3,respectively.Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by LSD-t test.Results Compared with the sham group,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the CME group was significantly decreased [(68.91 ± 4.12) ％ vs.(84.80 ± 2.51) ％,P ＜ 0.05],and the infarction area (P ＜ 0.05),the apoptosis index [(3.36 ± 0.63) ％ vs.(0.19 ± 0.08) ％,P ＜0.05],the mRNA expressions of TLR4,NF-κB p65 and cleaved caspase-3 in CME group were increased significantly (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with CME group,LVEF in the CME plus TAK-242 group was significantly improved [(75.58 ± 5.01) ％ vs.(68.91 ± 4.12) ％,P＜0.05],and the infarction area [(8.58 ± 2.12) ％ vs.(14.65 ± 4.23) ％,P＜0.05],the apoptosis index [(1.43 ± 0.51) ％ vs.(3.36 ± 0.63) ％,P ＜ 0.05],the mRNA expressions of TLR4,NF-κB p65 and cleaved caspase-3 in CME + TAK-242 group were decreased significantly (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions TAK-242 effectively improved CME-induced cardiac dysfunction by regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and then reducing the cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Survivin inhibitor YM155 induces apoptosis of thyroid carcinoma cell line B-CPAP and potential mechanisms / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of survivin inhibitor YM155{1-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-methyl-4,9-dioxo-3-(pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4,9-dihydro-1H-naphtho[2,3-d] imidazolium bromide} on cell viability,apoptosis and Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3,Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-8,Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-9 of the thyroid carcinoma cell line B-CPAP in order to discuss mitochondrial mechanisms of apoptosis.Methods: B-CPAP cells were cultured in vitro and treated with YM155 at various concentrations(0,0.5,1,2,4,8 nmol/L)for 24,48 and 72h.The cell viability of B-CPAP cells were measured by CCK-8 assay.B-CPAP cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:B-CPAP cells were treated with YM155 at various concentrations(0,1,2 nmol/L)and 5 μmol/L Cisplatin(the positive control group)for 24 h.The effects of YM155 on B-CPAP cells apoptosis were evaluated by TUNEL and flow cytometry Annexin V-FITC/PI method.The expression level of Survivin and Caspase-3,Caspase-8 ,Caspase-9 were detected by Western blot analysis.Results: Compared with the 0 nmol/L group,YM155 significantly inhibited the cell viability of B-CPAP cells and induced their apoptosis (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with the 0 nmol/L group,YM155 significantly reduced the expression level of Survivin and upregulated Caspase-3,Caspase-8 ,Caspase-9(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion: YM155 can inhibit the cell viability of B-CPAP cells and induce apoptosis,its possible mechanisms maybe related to upregulated expression level of Caspase-3,Caspase-8 and Caspase-9.

Effects of low molecular heparin combined with dexamethasone on coagulation and fibrinolysis at early stage in rats with acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the effects of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) combined with dexamethasone (Dex) on coagulation and fibrinolysis at the early stage in rats with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by two-hit of oleic acid (OA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods Forty healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation, ARDS model, Dex, LMWH and combining therapy groups (8 rats in each group). The rat ARDS model was established by sequential two-hit with intravenous injection of OA 0.2 mL/kg in a tail vein and intra-peritoneal injection of LPS 5 mg/kg. After model establishment, the rats in Dex group were intra-peritoneally injected with 10 mg/kg Dex, and those in LMWH group were intravenously injected with 200 U/kg LMWH, while the rats in combining therapy group were given Dex and LMWH simultaneously with the same dosages and methods as above mentioned respectively. In sham operation group, however, the rats were intravenously injected with 0.4 mL of normal saline (NS) and were given 2 mL/kg of intra-peritoneal NS injection, and they accepted another 1 mL/kg NS intra-peritoneal injection 4 hours later, the other procedures being the same as those in the model group. The experiment was ended at 6 hours after the establishment of ARDS model. A light microscope was used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues, partial pressure of arterial blood oxygen (PaO2) was measured, and the oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) was calculated. Wet to dry weight (W/D) ratio of lung tissues was also checked. Coagulation indexes were measured by solidification method, and the serum level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as well as the content of procollagen type Ⅲ (PC-Ⅲ) was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results Under the light microscope, effusion of red blood cells, fibrin deposit in the lung interstitium and alveoli, formation of transparent membrane at alveolar wall, inflammatory cells infiltration in pulmonary interstitial tissue, and fibrinous thrombi in lung capillaries or lung arterioles were seen in the model group. Compared with model group, the red blood cells effusion and fibrin deposition in the lung interstitium and alveoli were less, inflammatory cells infiltration in pulmonary interstitium was alleviated and the fibrinous blood emboli in the lung capillaries or lung small arterioles were also decreased in Dex, LMWH and combining therapy groups, among the three groups, the best results being in the combining therapy group. Compared with sham operation group, the PaO2/FiO2 was significantly lowered [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 272.02±28.28 vs. 420.24±35.52,P < 0.01], the lung W/D ratio was obviously higher (5.59±0.40 vs. 3.82±0.28,P < 0.01), prothrombin time (PT) as well as thrombin time (TT) were markedly longer [PT (s): 18.78±1.57 vs. 16.36±0.97, TT (s): 39.02±5.03 vs. 29.22±8.83, bothP < 0.05], fibrinogen (Fib) content was significantly decreased (g/L: 1.82±0.26 vs. 2.69±0.40,P < 0.01), but both the serum contents of PAI-1 and PC-Ⅲ were remarkably elevated in model rats [PAI-1 (ng/L): 719.04±103.74 vs. 517.25±119.18, PC-Ⅲ (μg/L): 29.93±3.24 vs. 22.97±6.26, bothP < 0.01); Compared with model group, the level of PaO2/FiO2 was significantly elevated, and the lung W/D ratio was obviously decreased in Dex, LMWH and combining therapy groups respectively, the most significant changes being in combining therapy group [PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg): 376.78±25.25 vs. 272.02±28.28, lung W/D ratio: 4.14±0.42 vs. 5.59±0.4, bothP < 0.01] , in LMWH group, the prolongation of TT was the longest (s: 52.00±4.24 vs. 39.02±5.03,P < 0.05), while Fib contents in the three treatment groups were all obviously increased (g/L: 2.37±0.38, 2.59±0.51, 2.59±0.24 vs. 1.82±0.26,P < 0.05 orP < 0.01); meanwhile, the decrease of PAI-1 in combining therapy group was the greatest (ng/L: 546.02±93.94 vs. 719.04±103.74,P < 0.01). The indexes showed no statistically significant differences among the three treatment groups, except that PT in combining therapy group which was significantly longer than that in Dex and LMWH groups (s: 19.98±1.61 vs. 17.20±1.48, 17.02±2.34, bothP < 0.05). Conclusions The rats with ARDS induced by two-hit of OA combined with LPS have coagulation dysfunction and fibrinolytic inhibition. Using LMWH early can improve coagulation and fibrinolytic status in the rats with ARDS, and the therapeutic effects of LMWH plus Dex for treatment of ARDS are better than those of using each of them alone.

Effect of Atorvastatin Combined with Methylprednisolone on Liver Function of Nephrotic Syndrome Patients / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of atorvastatin combined with methylprednisolone on the liver function of ne-phrotic syndrome patients. METHODS:The data of 93 patients with primary nephritic syndrome were retrospectively analyzed and divided into atorvastatin group,methylprednisolone group and combination group by different medication. Atorvastatin group was orally given atorvastatin 20 mg at bedtime,once a day+aspirin;methylprednisolone group was orally given methylprednisolone 0.8 mg/kg in the early morning,once a day+aspirin;combination group was given atorvastatin+methylprednisolone+aspirin(the same usage and dosage with the above-mentioned groups). The course was 4 weeks. The clinic data was observed,including ALT,AST, GGT,TB and DB before and after treatment,the incidence of patients with drug-induced liver disease and prognosis of patients with drug-induced liver disease. RESULTS:After treatment,the ALT,AST and GGT in atorvastatin group and combination group were significantly higher than before,with significant difference(P0.05). There was no significant dif-ference in the elevated rate of ALT among groups(P>0.05);the incidence of drug-induced liver disease in combination group was significantly higher than atorvastatin group and methylprednisolone group,with significant difference(P<0.05). ALT in combina-tion group was significantly decreased and returned to pretreatment levels after atorvastatin withdrawal and 2 weeks of hepatoprotec-tants treatment for 7 patients with drug-induced liver disease. CONCLUSIONS:Atorvastatin combined with methylprednisolone has high risk on liver function in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Pretreatment levels can be recovered by both drug withdrawal and symptomatic treatment.

The clinical characteristic of 179 cases with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate clinical characteristics of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in assisted reproductive technique .Methods The clinical data of 179 cases with moderate and severe OHSS receiving in vitro fertili‐zation‐embryo transfer (including ICSI) in the hospital from June 2012 to April 2013 were analyzed retrospectively .According to the clinical characteristic ,the OHSS was classified as as the moderate type and severe type ,and the late type and early type . Results It was no statistics difference between moderate type and severe type in the patients age ,number of retrieved oocytes ,ad‐mission transaminase ,proportion of fibrinogen normal numbers(P> 0 .05) .But it was a statistics difference between moderate type and severe type in the occurring time days of hospitalization ,hematocrit on admission ,albumin value ,transaminase maximum ,albu‐min dosage used ,proportion of paracentesis number ,pregnancy rate(P 0 .05) .But it was a statistics difference between early type and late type in the number of retrieved oocytes ,the proportion of moderate OHSS patients ,days of hospitalization ,hematocrit on admission ,albumin value ,transaminase maximum ,albumin dosage used ,proportion of paracentesis number ,pregnancy rate(P< 0 .05) .Conclusion Synthesizing OHSS patients′ blood indexes ,we can evaluated patients′ pathogenet‐ic condition ,the treatment of disease ,and took appropriate preventive measures as soon as possible .Patients with late type may be have more severe pathogenetic condition than patients with early type .

Study of Dimethyl Carbonate Adsorption and Activation on Solid Bases by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy / 分析化学

The adsorption and activation of dimethyl carbonate on the surface of solid base were investigated by in situ FTIR, and the solid bases included magnesia, magnesium fluoride, Mg-Al mixed oxide and fluorine-modified Mg-Al mixed oxide. The FTIR results showed that dimethyl carbonate adsorbed on the surface of solid based by two modes of bidentate and unidentate complex. The bidentate was more active than the unidentate. Methoxyl group was formed from the adsorbed dimethyl carbonate on the surface of magnesia and Mg-Al mixed oxide. And fluomethyl group was formed from the adsorbed dimethyl carbonate on the surface of sodium fluoride. However, dimethyl carbonate on the surface of fluorine-modified Mg-Al mixed oxide showed preference for generating fluomethyl group. With the increasing of the treating temperature of samples, the methoxyl group was gradually formed on the surface. Accordingly, the fluorine-modified Mg-Al mixed oxide was found to be an excellent catalyst for methylation.

The effect of inhibin A and gonadotrophic hormone on the in vitro maturation of mice immature oocytes / 重庆医科大学学报

0.05).There was no difference in the rate of PB1 between PMSG group and none PMSG group.In PMSG group,INH A solutions at concentrations of 200 ng/ml,350 ng/ml had higer rate of PB1 than that in control group(P